Freelance artist Photo foundry ( Pt 10 of 12 )

Alison Maclean was the speaker for us in this topic and in 2010 she herself was  here at Glyndwr studying  film and photography. She now owns her own company called Photo Foundry. Previous to this  for 15 to 20 years she also ran her own  business with her ex-partner in financial services. Separated from her  partner  she then moved on to become a presenter and a  provider of seminars and as well as this she also taught martial arts for 15 years which she recently gave up last year.


She interacted and amused the audience quite well, sharing her experiences as a student as well as giving us a few hints and tips on how to get the best out of studies.We were encouraged to use as many of the facilities as possible  that are available to us, such as the darkroom, studio and try to gain as much knowledge from  tutors and lecturers  as possible.


She then went on to talk about her life after graduation, experiences and regrets. For photographers to bring money  in,  it can take a long time for income  to start rolling in , you may have to find a part-time job to help you financially. For those who have to come full-time in employment many often find that they are too  exhausted, to carry on what they have already started at University.




Hints

•  Get yourself a good website,
•  Think of a good name for the website that is memorable and accessible ( easy to spell )
• Changing the name of your website often isn't a very good idea due to many connections that you have built up maybe lost, 
•  names.co.uk website tells you what names are available. When you have thought of your name check what's out there in other countries that might have a similar name. Especially when it ends with ( .com or .eu )
• free websites - these can help you build up a website find one that is easily accessible for your needs,   cargo collective is a recommended site and carbon made.
• Carbon made as a free site, but you are only able to have 35 images.
• Think about working with a graphic designer (sometimes bartering works such as if you help me I could take some photos of something you are working on)
• Think ahead of what might go wrong.
• Spelling and grammar is quite important, it can give clients an insight into your work,
• got it.com is a great website for spell checking even if you spell phonetically.
• Have a blog and links on your website to other information, on your website have links to elsewhere, share things on your blog,
• using keywords is a good idea this will lead people to your website or blog.
• keep blogs and websites up to date.
• Business cards - a branding logo can be useful this could be applied to all your media such as Facebook and Twitter. Keep them minimum not too cluttered. You could make postcards of your work as a business card. Moo cards are quite small and maybe lost.
• Using Flickr could be a good way of getting  your work seen.
• Always keep " future proof", try not to put dates on. 
• Image brief- for stock Photography is a good website to have a look at,this is another good way to get your workout to the public.
• Get yourself known by going out to events and mix with the public,personal approach is always better than the media side of it. 
• Be professional in  being prompt especially replying to phone calls and e-mails, deliver work quickly, be over prepared.
• Under promising and over deliver,

Alison's lecture in total was  about one hour 10 min, some information is  directly quoted and taken from the lecture. I enjoyed this lecture for many reasons, it was nice to see how and where someone has gone after university, she once was where we were sat, the information gave step by step good advice, although the lecture covered many facts they came across in a manner that didn't overload us. They were given as guide lines and lastly because Alison came across as down to earth and approachable.




For more information about Alison or The Photo Foundry please click onto the links below


http://thephotofoundry.wordpress.com/

http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715149169476636867

http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/alison-mclean/15/246/a08



Image - is the logo of Alison's company The Photo Foundry, used only for illustration.


Content - 10/10 
There was such a lot of valuable advice was given,


Delivery - 10/10 
This was very clear concise, she was very knowledgeable and informative. She interacted really well with her audience and made us want to listen to her lecture.


Interest - 10/10  
The lecture was extremely interesting and gave an insight,into what can be done or happen after university.